Sarah Lutman to step down as SPCO president, managing director

Article by: STAFF REPORT
Updated: February 11, 2012 - 8:08 AM

Sarah Lutman

Photo: , St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

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Sarah Lutman, president and managing director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, will leave the orchestra to start an independent consulting practice, the SPCO announced Friday.

Her last day with the orchestra will be March 1.

Lutman, 58, of St. Paul, "leaves the organization in a very good place," said Dobson West, who chairs the orchestra's board. "We have a clear vision for the future, a road map for achieving that vision, and an extremely strong and talented group of staff, musicians and volunteer leadership who are eager to bring that vision to fruition. Most important, the organization has a large, growing audience and a community that generously and steadfastly supports it."

Lutman's consulting arrangement will include the SPCO as a client. Her work will focus on collaborating with other arts organizations (the Ordway, the Minnesota Opera and the Schubert Club) on the new Ordway Concert Hall planning work and fundraising campaign, the SPCO said.

"For many years I have wanted to start an independent consulting practice, but family obligations have not made that a smart choice," Lutman said. "With my adult children both due to complete post-graduate education this year, and having been able to help the SPCO chart a clear strategic direction and plan, the timing seemed right for me to make this move."

The SPCO board appointed West as president for the transition. A search process for a permanent president and managing director will begin shortly.

Lutman took the SPCO position in October 2008. She previously had been senior vice president of content and media at Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media.